Congratulations to Officer Pistone with the David 300s (Southwest Austin) for earning 2025 Patrol Rookie of the Year! A common theme with Officer Pistone is her proactive approach to policing. She frequently self-initiates calls that result in firearms being removed from the street, arrests for felony drug charges, and the removal of intoxicated drivers. She made 38 DWI alone arrests in 2025! Additionally, when she responds to 9-1-1 calls, she consistently takes charge, serves as the lead officer, and makes the arrest. Officer Pistone is setting a strong example for newer officers by demonstrating what it takes to be an effective patrol officer. Regardless of assignment or time of day, she handles calls confidently and has already emerged as a leader in her short time as an officer. Congratulations, Officer Pistone!

We’re proud to announce Officer Smart as 2025 Patrol Officer of the Year! Officer Smart has spent the last seven years in the Downtown Area Command (DTAC). His tenure in a highly operational unit, such as DTAC nightshift, is remarkable, and lends itself to the incredible amount of experience and community connections he possesses. DTAC routinely sees new officers, and Officer Smart can always be counted on as a de-facto field training officer of sorts for those unfamiliar with the unique policing downtown Austin requires. He does this formally when tasked to do so, but also informally by coaching and mentoring officers on known problem areas, known suspects, crime trends, etc. Within the past year he has taken an active role in mentoring some of the officers who have quickly become some of the most productive officers in all of DTAC. Officer Smart’s seniority does not stop him from being just as proactive. In 2025, Officer Smart authored 238 offense reports; 103 of these were custody arrests which he made. These include multiple arrests for DWI, Possession of Controlled Substance, Assaults, and Firearms related offenses. Additionally, Officer Smart consistently produces the most thorough and well-written reports on the shift for which he routinely earns praise from investigative units. His work product never declines, and he always maintains a high degree of professionalism as a shift leader. This speaks volumes to not only his positive attitude, but also his resilience as an officer. Congratulations, Officer Smart!